Lights off or on?

[blacklab]

I'm wondering if it is ok to leave a nightlight on in the coop 24/7. My chicks are 8 weeks old.

 

[Gtstricky]

Yes is the short answer.

But they are like kids... leave the lights on and they will want to stay up, eating and drinking, will nap more during the day.

Turning off the light for 8+ hours forces them into a good sleep routine.

 

[nchls school]

I have always used a night light; especially when there's a problem with nocturnal predators.

Make sure it is dim enough for the birds to rest at night.

 

[blacklab]

Thanks - it just seems cozier with it on. I think I'll leave it!

 

[rosemarythyme]

There's nothing natural about having a light on all the time. Animals do best with a true day/night cycle. Do you sleep with your bedroom lights on, and if so, is it restful sleep?

 

[CluckerFamily]

My coop is on the side of the detached garage that has a flood light to help me see predators at night. The chickens sort of benefit from the light also.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Years ago I forgot to shut the light off in the coop. It was summer so I heard them raising the dead about midnight. Yup I went out and shut off that light. They quieted immediately.

I vote no light.

 

[50-45-1]

Lights all night long definately disrupt their sleep, an no preditor is fooled for long by a light continusely left on.

 

[blacklab]

Good advice - majority say no light - it's off and the ladies seem just fine! Thanks!

 

[PVILLAGO]

I feel terrible. My Chicks are 6wks old and have had a heat lamp on 24/7 since I've got them as day old chicks. We still have below freezing temps. and they do roam around all day in the coop but the heat lamp is always on. If I turn the lamp off they will probably freeze to death. So how can they sleep with the lights off? So confused on the light situation